Home Joe Biden dropping out of 2024 presidential race, endorses Kamala Harris
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Joe Biden dropping out of 2024 presidential race, endorses Kamala Harris

Chris Graham
joe biden
(© lev radin – Shutterstock)

Joe Biden will not run for re-election, announcing in a letter addressed to the American people on Sunday that he believes it “is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

In a follow-up message, Biden offered his “full support and endorsement” for his vice president, Kamala Harris, to be the 2024 Democratic Party nominee.

“Democrats – it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this,” Biden said.

The move was becoming widely expected, but is no less stunning, given the late timing – 11 days before the Democratic Party was set to vote virtually to formalize the party nomination, and two months before the start of early voting in the fall election.

The pressure on Biden began in the wake of his disastrous showing in a June 27 CNN debate, which he and his team had asked for, months ahead of the normal schedule for general-campaign debates.

Biden and the man that he had defeated politically in the 2020 election, Donald Trump, were already locked in a tight race ahead of that debate, but polls since have shown that majorities of Democrats and independents, concerned about Biden’s age, and apparent cognitive decline.

Trump has a 3.2-point lead in the FiveThirtyEight.com national polling average at this writing, and the data have been a sticking point from top Democrats, who are concerned not only about losing the presidential election, but also losing control of the U.S. Senate and losing ground in the U.S. House.


donald trump
Photo: Truth Social

Update: Sunday, 2:59 p.m. Disgraced ex-president Donald Trump, still obviously deeply affected by his 7 million-vote loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 election, which Trump has still yet to acknowledge, did his Trumpy best to respond to Biden announcing on Sunday that he is dropping out of the 2024 race.

“Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve – And never was! He only attained the position of President by lies, Fake News, and not leaving his Basement. All those around him, including his Doctor and the Media, knew that he wasn’t capable of being President, and he wasn’t – And now, look what he’s done to our Country, with millions of people coming across our Border, totally unchecked and unvetted, many from prisons, mental institutions, and record numbers of terrorists. We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”


mike johnson
(© lev radin – Shutterstock)

Update: Sunday, 3:12 p.m. Odd take from the House Speaker, Mike Johnson, who seems offended that Joe Biden, by dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, has “invalidated the votes of more than 14 million Americans” who voted for him to be the Democratic Party nominee.

Johnson, you may remember, is one of the 147 congressional Republicans who voted hours after the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, to decertify the 2020 election, which is, of course, what the mob who attacked the Capitol, at the urging of Donald Trump, wanted done.

That would seem to make his dig – “the self-proclaimed ‘party of democracy’ has proven exactly the opposite” – ring rather hollow.

Johnson, in a lengthy post on Twitter, also called on Biden to step down not only from the presidential race, but also from his job as president, which he clearly hasn’t thought through.

If Biden were to do that, Harris would, effectively, be running for re-election.

There might be ever so slight a boot from that.

“If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately. November 5 cannot arrive soon enough,” Johnson said.


Tim Kaine in front of Staunton Virginia sign
Image: Tim Kaine for Senate/Facebook

Update: Sunday, 3:19 p.m. U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine stood up, initially, for Joe Biden as the calls for Biden to step down as the Democratic Party presidential nominee, but as I’d noted in a column on Friday, Kaine had started to soften his stance.

This is Kaine in a statement from his office on Sunday:

“As I have been saying for weeks, President Biden is a patriotic American who has always put the needs of our country ahead of himself. For more than five decades, he has served this country admirably as a Senator, Vice President, and now President. His decision today reflects the same patriotism that George Washington and Teddy Roosevelt demonstrated when they selflessly put their country above their own political ambitions.

“From ushering in an economic recovery from the pandemic that is the envy of the world, to finally rebuilding our roads and bridges, reclaiming our leadership on the international stage, lowering the cost of prescription drugs and capping the cost of insulin, President Biden has achieved historic progress for our country. I’m deeply grateful for his years of service.

“I am laser-focused on building on the historic accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration, by continuing to lower costs for Virginians, protecting our democracy at home and abroad, and safeguarding Americans’ reproductive freedoms. I’m looking forward to working with my friend Kamala Harris and a great ticket mate to keep Virginia blue so that we can continue to build on our progress.”


mark warner
Photo: Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Warner

Update: Sunday, 3:22 p.m. U.S. Sen. Mark Warner had been among the first top Democrats to be open to Joe Biden dropping out of the 2024 presidential race.

Here’s Warner on Sunday:

“This nation owes Joe Biden a debt of gratitude for putting everything on hold to run in 2020 and taking the reins as President during a particularly turbulent time. He charted a bright path forward for our nation after four tumultuous years under the former administration.

“President Biden has made historic contributions to our nation. His love of country and loyalty to the American people has been unwavering. He will undoubtedly go down in the history books as a true American patriot.

“After all he’s done, I respect President Biden’s difficult decision to step aside in this upcoming election, and I look forward to hearing more from him later this week.

“While there has to be an orderly process and the decision ultimately rests in the hands of the DNC delegates, I believe Vice President Harris has the experience, energy, and resolve to lead our nation.

“This November, we must defeat Donald Trump and his backwards agenda.”


newspapers
(© BillionPhotos.com – stock.adobe.com)

Update: Sunday, 3:28 p.m. Interesting tidbit on the timing of today’s news from The New York Times: Biden’s senior staff was informed at 1:45 p.m. that President Biden was dropping out of the race, one minute before the statement was posted to Twitter.

CNN is reporting that Biden, who has been self-isolating after being diagnosed with COVID earlier this week, made the decision over the past 48 hours.

I’m seeing some criticism to the effect that Biden could have teased a prime-time Oval Office presidential address and made the announcement in front of a TV audience at least comparable, and likely a good bit bigger, than what watched Trump’s acceptance speech at the RNC on Thursday.

The inner circle clearly didn’t want to be scooped on their own news.


cyber bullying
(© asiandelight – stock.adobe.com)

Update: Sunday, 3:35 p.m. Some Democrats are ma-a-a-ad.

Starting with Ron Klain, who was Joe Biden’s White House chief of staff from 2021-2023:

“Now that the donors and electeds have pushed out the only candidate who has ever beaten Trump, it’s time to end the political fantasy games and unite behind the only veteran of a national campaign – our outstanding @vp, @KamalaHarris!! Let’s get real and win in November!” Klain wrote on Twitter.

That was tame put up against what Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett had to say:

“Well I hope the geniuses that pushed the most consequential President of our lifetime out, have a plan. WHO in the hell couldn’t sell the MF Accomplishments & win over a 34 time convicted Felon who isn’t even allowed to operate businesses in the state of NY (and therefore should automatically be disallowed from say running the country) & his ENTIRE team IS project 2025?!

Joe wasn’t the problem… dems were. I know one thing, I will only work for @KamalaHarris! If it’s anyone OTHER than her, enjoy campaign season… I hope all of my disenchanted colleagues are able to find some walking shoes and get to work because I WILL NOT! FULL [STOP].”

Last, actually, probably not last, forever, because we still haven’t heard from AOC, but here’s Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman:

“People pushed out an honorable man, loving father and a great president before an absolute sleazeball like Menendez. Congratulations.”


Jennifer McClellan Kamala Harris
Photo: Office of Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan

Update: Sunday, 3:54 p.m. Fourth District Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, who just three days ago gave her “full support” to Joe Biden remaining on the Democratic Party presidential ticket, is now solidly behind Kamala Harris being at the top of the ticket.

Her full statement:

“In just one term, President Biden built a tremendous legacy of achievement, saving our economy from the brink of collapse, passing major infrastructure legislation and the most significant climate law in American history. The Biden-Harris Administration is the most consequential presidential administration of my lifetime.

“I applaud President Biden for his five decades of service to the American people, and I look forward to working with him through the end of his term. I know this was a difficult decision for the President, and I thank him for always putting the good of the country first.

“I join President Biden in fully endorsing Vice President Harris as our Democratic nominee. Vice President Harris is a champion for reproductive freedom, civil rights, and a fair economy that leaves no one behind. Vice President Harris is the most qualified person to be President on Day 1. There remains a stark choice in this election between Donald Trump’s campaign of personal retribution and extreme policies as outlined in Project 2025, and Kamala Harris’ campaign to protect our rights and create economic opportunity for all. I call on Democrats to unite behind Vice President Harris to defeat Donald Trump and build on the progress of the Biden-Harris Administration.”


Update: Sunday, 3:58 p.m. Former President Bill Clinton and 2016 Democratic Party presidential nominee Hillary Clinton issued this joint statement:

clintons


Update: Sunday, 4:05 p.m. Sixth District Congressman Ben Cline has entered the chat.

ben cline


Don Beyer
Photo: Office of Congressman Don Beyer

Update: Sunday, 4:46 p.m. Eighth District Congressman Don Beyer issued the following statement:

“President Joe Biden is a great American. Today he made a hard decision few others could have made, showed his character, and put his country first. I am proud of my support for Joe Biden, and proud of his patriotism.

“Joe Biden took office amid the deadliest pandemic in a century, the worst economic decline since the Great Depression, and one of the worst attacks on our democracy in American history. He guided our nation back to normalcy and health, presided over the strongest and fastest economic recovery in history, and achieved bipartisan legislative victories many dismissed as ‘impossible’ in our divided society.

“President Biden’s historic record of job creation and low unemployment, the revitalization of our manufacturing sector, the passage of the American Rescue Plan, the Inflation Reduction Act, the Chips and Science Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the Respect For Marriage Act, and so many other accomplishments will create an incredible and enduring legacy upon which the eyes of history will look with favor. During President Biden’s remaining months in office I will continue to do all I can to help build on his extraordinary record of achievements for the country.

“The past few weeks have been very difficult, but I am proud to be a member of a party that tolerates dissent. We are not a cult of personality where any disagreement results in threats or purges. Democrats are not afraid to allow hard conversations and tough choices, and we are stronger for it.

“In that spirit, I look forward to a fair and open nomination process to choose the next Democratic nominee. As that process unfolds, I will support Vice President Kamala Harris, who already brings strength, compassion, and vision to the office and the ticket. Vice President Harris’ leadership and experience make her uniquely qualified to serve as President, and I am proud to endorse her to be President Biden’s successor. I look forward to doing all I can in the months ahead to defeat Donald Trump and elect Kamala Harris as President of the United States.”


kamala harris
(© lev radin – Shutterstock)

Update: Sunday, 4:51 p.m. Vice President Kamala Harris issued the following statement:

“On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country. His remarkable legacy of accomplishment is unmatched in modern American history, surpassing the legacy of many Presidents who have served two terms in office.

“It is a profound honor to serve as his Vice President, and I am deeply grateful to the President, Dr. Biden, and the entire Biden family. I first came to know President Biden through his son Beau. We were friends from our days working together as Attorneys General of our home states. As we worked together, Beau would tell me stories about his Dad. The kind of father—and the kind of man—he was. And the qualities Beau revered in his father are the same qualities, the same values, I have seen every single day in Joe’s leadership as President: His honesty and integrity. His big heart and commitment to his faith and his family. And his love of our country and the American people.

“With this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else.

“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.

“We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.”


barack obama
(© K2 images – Shutterstock)

Update: 5:25 p.m. Barack Obama issued the following statement:

“Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we’ve also been reminded — again — that he’s a patriot of the highest order.

“Sixteen years ago, when I began my search for a vice president, I knew about Joe’s remarkable career in public service. But what I came to admire even more was his character — his deep empathy and hard-earned resilience; his fundamental decency and belief that everyone counts.

“Since taking office, President Biden has displayed that character again and again. He helped end the pandemic, created millions of jobs, lowered the cost of prescription drugs, passed the first major piece of gun safety legislation in 30 years, made the biggest investment to address climate change in history, and fought to ensure the rights of working people to organize for fair wages and benefits. Internationally, he restored America’s standing in the world, revitalized NATO, and mobilized the world to stand up against Russian aggression in Ukraine.

“More than that, President Biden pointed us away from the four years of chaos, falsehood, and division that had characterized Donald Trump’s administration. Through his policies and his example, Joe has reminded us of who we are at our best — a country committed to old-fashioned values like trust and honesty, kindness and hard work; a country that believes in democracy, rule of law, and accountability; a country that insists that everyone, no matter who they are, has a voice and deserves a chance at a better life.

“This outstanding track record gave President Biden every right to run for re-election and finish the job he started. Joe understands better than anyone the stakes in this election — how everything he has fought for throughout his life, and everything that the Democratic Party stands for, will be at risk if we allow Donald Trump back in the White House and give Republicans control of Congress.

“I also know Joe has never backed down from a fight. For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life. But I know he wouldn’t make this decision unless he believed it was right for America. It’s a testament to Joe Biden’s love of country — and a historic example of a genuine public servant once again putting the interests of the American people ahead of his own that future generations of leaders will do well to follow.

“We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges. I believe that Joe Biden’s vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August. And I expect that every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond.

“For now, Michelle and I just want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so ably and courageously during these perilous times — and for their commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality that this country was founded on.”


abigail spanberger
Photo: Abigail Spanberger campaign/Facebook

Update: 7:09 p.m. Seventh District Democrat Abigail Spanberger issued separate statements tonight on the news.

First, on President Biden’s decision to step out of the race:

“President Joe Biden has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in choosing to put the future of our country before any personal or political ambition, and I will forever be grateful to him for his leadership, his example, and his devotion to our incredible country.

“Joe Biden’s presidency has been one of immense consequence. In 2020, he defeated a lawless president who posed a unique threat to American democracy, and he began his term just weeks after a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and as our country still reeled from the devastation of a worldwide pandemic.

“From the earliest days of his presidency, he has led our country towards a stronger future, working with Congress to pass generationally-important legislation — the bipartisan infrastructure law, the CHIPS & Science Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Honoring our PACT Act, among so many others. As the leader of the free world, he has rallied our allies in support of democracy and freedom, and here at home, he has been unwavering in his belief in our country and his commitment to the American people.

“I look forward to working with President Biden through the remainder of his term, and I thank him for being a president who has led with fierce conviction, a public servant who has given decades of his life in service to our country, and a selfless leader who has chosen to pass the torch and uplift the next generation of American leadership.”

Next, on Vice President Harris:

“Once again, I thank President Biden for his decades of service to our country and for his remarkable leadership as President. In announcing this decision, he has put his country first, and his legacy has been cemented as one of extraordinary, patriotic public service.

“Defeating former President Trump is essential to defending our democracy, protecting the rights of our fellow Virginians, and passing a better country and world on to our children.

“The stakes of this election are enormous, and that’s why I endorse Vice President Harris to serve as the next President of the United States. Not only will she defeat former President Trump, but she will set an example for our children. She will demonstrate how to be a strong, principled leader who is focused on the needs of the American people — not herself.

“We have no time to waste, and we all have a role to play in delivering a victory. I am committed to doing everything in my power to make sure Vice President Harris wins in Virginia and across the country this November.”

Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham, the king of "fringe media," a zero-time Virginia Sportswriter of the Year, and a member of zero Halls of Fame, is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, or subscribe to his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].

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